Link to article: https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/south-china-sea-beijing-doubles-down-after-us-sails-through-waters/news-story/72bd27f8aa4d0d9bbd004d34abc5a4fe
Over the weekend, the US crossed through the South China Sea, for it’s “Freedom of Navigation” campaign. This is the third mission since June to stop Beijing from doubling down on their efforts to have total control of the South China Sea. The post-World War II Law of the Sea determines that the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait to be international waters, meaning the US should be allowed to pass through. Even though Beijing has signed the International Law of the Sea, they no longer want to share the South China Sea. In response to the US crossing, they sent warships and aircraft’s to surround the American destroyer. “We urge the US side to immediately stop such kind of provocative actions, strictly manage and control its maritime and air military operations so as not to cause any eventuality,” warns a Chinese military spokesman.
This article is important because Beijing is trying to block the South China Sea which can cause transportation problems for other countries. The US is protesting against Beijing because they’re going against the post-World War II Law of the Sea. Military vessels from both countries are out on the South China Sea which will cause tensions to rise. If Beijing continues to double down on total control of the South China Sea other countries might have to get involved and propose a threat of war. This is just another item to add to the long list of the problems between the US and China, something is going to have to give eventually.
In international Relations we have talked about China and if China is really a threat. If China is trying to double down on having total control of the South China Sea, then yes they are a threat. If China does gain total control of the South China sea then this will cause transportation for the US and other countries to become very difficult. This will slow down the trade for the US and other countries which can hurt their economy’s. China is also going against a treaty, that they signed. This means China isn’t afraid to go against the US or any other country, therefore making us wonder what other treaty’s China is willing to break.